Charles Edward Gunning, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Charles E. Gunning, Jr., on October 21, 2025, the beloved husband of Carol Prior Gunning.  Charlie leaves a wonderful legacy in his children Kelly (Ken) Mastroni, Patricia (Paul) Marques and Timothy (Kate) Gunning and in his grandchildren Daniel and Kyle Mastroni, Charlotte and Ryan Marques and Molly, Finley and Charlie Gunning, all of whom he was so proud. The only son of the late Charles E. and Margaret Callahan Gunning, Sr., he leaves two sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Gunning and Anne (Tom) Fregeau. 

Charlie retired from One Beacon Insurance where he worked in the claims department. Charlie devoted countless hours to numerous philanthropic causes in West Haven - the Village Improvement Association, West Haven Public Library, WHEAT, and Shore Haven Jr. Baseball, all of which he held Board of Director positions.   As a tireless volunteer, additional memberships include the West Haven Irish-American Club, served on the Finance Council at Our Lady of Victory Church and as the treasurer of the West Haven Taxpayers Association and served on the board of Beaverdale Memorial Park. The recipient of several awards through the years, Charlie received the Westie Pride Award in 2010 and in 2012, the Gold bat award from the West Haven Twilight League.  In 2008, Shore Haven Baseball dedicated a bench in his honor.

Visitation will take place on Sunday October 26 from 3 to 6 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home.  On Monday morning, please meet directly at St. John Vianney Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 o’clock.  Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.  In accordance with his wishes, please omit flowers.  Should friends desire, donations may be made to WHEAT, 674 Washington Ave., West Haven or to the West Haven Irish- American Club, Scholarship Fund, PO Box 16801, West Haven.  

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